Solaranlage

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a solar energy system ( 1 ) comprising a multiplicity of oblong-formed modular units ( 2 ) having, in each case, at least one solar module ( 3 ), wherein the individual modular units can track the course of the sun. 
     The present invention further relates to a solar modular unit ( 2 ). 
     The present invention further relates to a method for arrangement of solar modular units ( 2 ).

The present invention relates to a solar energy system with a multiplicity of modular units that, as a rule, display several solar modules.

Solar energy systems have long been known from the prior art. In the case of most solar energy systems, the solar modules are installed on roofs and open areas. In the case of roof systems, for example an orientation toward the south is preferred. For the most part the solar modules are oriented at a particular angle with respect to the ground (so-called angle of inclination). Frequently the solar modules are arranged next to each other in rows to form solar modular units.

The disadvantage of these solar energy systems consists, for example, in the fact that a shading of the module rows arranged one behind another occurs when these rows are not arranged at a sufficient distance from each other.

Further known are solar energy systems with modular units formed in an approximately square manner, which units can track the course of the sun and for this purpose are often placed onto a drive element. Through this means, the solar modular units can track the sun in a partially biaxial manner. In a central-European location, this brings an additional energy yield of approximately 30%, and in southern lands approximately 40%. Because of the tracking of the sun by the solar modular units, ample distances must be maintained in a circle around the solar modular units in order to prevent mutual shading. For this reason, a large space is required. The individual solar modular units are arranged far apart from each other.

In addition to the large space requirement of these systems, they are also very vulnerable to wind, since the individual solar modular units stand unprotected and open on the terrain.

Another known variant of the tracking of the sun by solar modules is the arrangement of the module rows on large rotary discs. These discs, with a diameter of up to 30 meters, are placed onto a rail track. The expense, and thus the costs, of such systems is very high. The expense alone for leveling the land, in order to place these rotary discs onto a stable foundation, is large. Likewise, the round shape leads again to an unfavorable surface-area utilization.

The present invention is based on the objective of making available a solar energy system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is based on the objective of making available a solar energy system that, with a minimal space requirement, can operate with high energy efficiency even on uneven terrain.

This objective is achieved through a solar energy system comprising a plurality of oblong-shaped modular units with, in each case, a solar module, wherein the individual modular units can track the course of the sun.

Through the oblong shape of the modular units of the solar energy system according to the invention, which units can individually track the course of the sun, it is possible to place a large number of modular units onto a very small area, which units mutually shade each other not at all or only slightly.

In an especially preferred embodiment form of the solar energy system according to the invention, the modular units are formed in a substantially rectangular manner.

Through the rectangular form an especially space-efficient arrangement of the modular units of the solar energy system according to the invention is possible.

The modular units of the solar energy system according to the invention display, as a rule, a ratio of width to length of approximately 1:1.5 to 1:10, preferably approximately 1:2 to 1:5, especially preferably approximately 1:3.

In an especially preferred embodiment form of the solar energy system according to the invention, the modular units are arranged in at least two, preferably several, substantially parallel rows, in each case formed through a straight line on which the center points or centers of rotation of the individual module elements substantially lie, wherein the individual modular units of two neighboring rows are preferably arranged in a staggered manner, in particular such that the center points of two neighboring modular units of a row form a substantially equilateral triangle with a center point of a modular unit of a neighboring row.

Through this arrangement, formed in the course of the day through the tracking of the modular units of the course of the sun are constantly new, parallel-arranged modular-unit rows (see in this connection also FIGS. 1 a-1 f of the description of the figures), the formed rows always having a distance from each other such that a mutual shading of the modular units of the successive rows occurs seldom or not at all. Through this means it is possible to install, in an especially space-saving manner, a solar energy system that operates with particularly high energy efficiency.

Advantageously, the length of a modular unit of a solar energy system according to the invention is shorter, preferably approximately 10 to 20% shorter, than the distance between the center points of two neighboring modular units of a row. Through this arrangement, a mutual contacting of the modular units during the sun-tracking movement is avoided. With this arrangement, the space requirement per kW is approximately 50% lower.

Advantageously, the distance between the center points of two neighboring modular units of a row corresponds approximately to the distance between two neighboring rows.

Preferably, the individual modules can track the sun in a substantially uniform manner and are preferably coupled to each other for this purpose. Achieved through this arrangement is the fact that each module element need not be individually adjusted to the course of the sun, but rather a central control is possible.

Preferably, the modular units of the solar energy system according to the invention are positioned such that they include an angle of approximately 20° to approximately 80° with a horizontal (e.g. with a level ground or base), preferably approximately 30° to approximately 45°, especially preferably approximately 35° to 40°. In central-European locations an angle of 38° is preferable. At this angle of inclination the most effective utilization of the sun is to be achieved.

In the tracking, a uniaxial tracking is not the only possibility. Also quite conceivable is a biaxial tracking, which is mechanically or automatically adjustable. Through this mean the angle of inclination can be adapted to the different times of the day.

Advantageously, in the solar energy system according to the invention an overall height is 2.5 m is not exceeded. Through this means, a high resistance to wind stresses is achieved. On the other hand, as a rule a clearance height of approximately 1 m is maintained. Through this means, for example, the keeping of livestock (e.g. the keeping of sheep) on the area of the solar energy system is possible.

Advantageously, neighboring solar modules of a modular unit of the solar energy system according to the invention are arranged at a distance from each other. Such an arrangement likewise contributes to wind stability, since here wind and suction stresses can be more favorably absorbed and air turbulence arises. In addition, the length of the modular unit can be thereby advantageously filled in.

The present invention further relates to a solar modular unit that is characterized in that it is formed in an oblong manner and can track the sun. Such a solar modular unit is outstandingly suitable for the assembly of a solar energy system according to one of the claims 1-10.

Preferably, the solar modular unit according to the invention is formed in a substantially rectangular manner.

Preferably, the solar modular unit according to the invention displays a width to length ratio in the range of approximately 1:1.5 to 1:10, preferably approximately 1:2 to 1:5, and especially preferably approximately 1:3.

The present invention relates further to a method for arrangement of solar modular units, in particular solar modular units according to the invention, for installation of a solar energy system, in particular a solar energy system according to the invention, comprising the following process step:

Positioning of the rotational axes of the individual modular units so as to form at least two substantially parallel rows, wherein the rotational axes of the modular units of two neighboring rows are arranged in a staggered manner such that two neighboring rotational axes of a row form a substantially equilateral triangle with an rotational axis of a nearest-lying modular unit of the other row, wherein the distances of the modular elements from each other are chosen such that a contacting of the modular units during rotation around the rotational axes is excluded, wherein the modular units are positioned such that they include an acute angle, preferably an angle of approximately 35°-420, with a horizontal, wherein the spacing of the rows is chosen such that a mutual shading of the solar modules in the course of a day is substantially avoided, and wherein the individual modular units track the course of the sun in a substantially uniform manner.

Through the method according to the invention, a solar energy system can be installed that operates with maximum effectiveness with the greatest possible space utilization.

Additional features of the invention result from the following description of preferred embodiment forms of the invention in connection with the drawings and the dependent claims. In this context, the individual features can in each case be realized in themselves or in combination with each other.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1 a-f: show a detail from a solar energy system according to the invention in the course of a day;

FIG. 2: shows a solar module from a modular unit according to the invention.

FIGS. 1 a-1 f show a detail from a solar energy system 1 according to the invention in the course of a day.

FIG. 1 a shows a detail from a solar energy system according to the invention in the morning. The solar energy system 1 displays a multiplicity of modular units 2 that, in each case, display four solar modules 3. The modular units 2 display a rectangular form.

The modular units 2 are positioned with an inclination with respect the ground and include an angle of approximately 38° with the ground. Here, the modular units are naturally positioned so that their solar modules are facing the sun. This arrangement cannot be recognized in FIGS. 1 a-1 f. For this, refer to FIG. 2. The modular units 2 can individually track the sun. For this purpose, each modular unit 2 is assigned a tracking device. These individual tracking devices can, for example by means of a motor, displace the module units 2 in a rotational movement and thereby cause the latter to track the sun. The tracking devices, which are not shown here, can be coupled amongst themselves, so that a coordinated tracking movement of the individual modular units is possible.

In the case of the present modular units, the tracking devices act upon the center point (center of rotation D) of the modular units.

The modular units 2 display a ratio of width b to length l of approximately 1:3. The modular units 2 are arranged in several, substantially parallel rows (in the present case only two such rows R₁ and R₂ are represented). The individual rows R (in the drawings drawn with dashed lines) are in each case defined by a straight line on which the center points or centers of rotation of the individual modular units lie. The individual modular units 2 of two neighboring rows R are arranged in a staggered manner, and are so in such a way that the center points of two neighboring modular units 2 of a row form a substantially equilateral triangle with a center point of a modular unit of a neighboring row. Thus, in FIG. 1 a the center points D1 and D2 of the row R₁ form an equilateral triangle with the center point D3 of the R₂.

The length of a modular unit 2 is approximately 20% shorter than the distance between two neighboring modular units 2 of a row. Through this means a contacting of the individual module rows during the tracking movement is prevented.

In addition, the distance between the center points of two neighboring modular units 2 of a row corresponds approximately to the distance between two neighboring rows.

For determination of the distance between two neighboring rows, refer to the remarks relating to FIG. 2. The modular units 2 of two neighboring rows for their part form parallel rows of side-by-side arranged module rows. Thus, for example, the modular units 2 a and 2 b, together with additional modular units not shown here, form a modular-unit row. Located parallel behind this module-unit row is a modular-unit row, consisting of the modular units 2 c and 2 d, that is parallel to the first-mentioned module-unit row. The individual modular units of a modular-unit row are arranged at a small distance from each other, which distance, however, is sufficient that modular units do not make contact during the rotational movement.

FIG. 1 b shows the solar energy system 1 in the early morning. The individual modular units 2 are now arranged such that they form parallel modular-unit rows with additional modular units (not shown here) of additional rows. The spacing of the modular units 2 within such modular-unit rows is, in this positioning, greater than in the case of the positioning in FIG. 1 a, this spacing being greater than the length of the individual modular units 2. In both the positioning of FIG. 1 a and the positioning of FIG. 1 b, the spacing of the modular units situated one behind another in each case (e.g. modular unit 2 a and modular unit 2 c) is sufficiently large that a mutual shading is all but guaranteed not to take place.

FIG. 1 c shows the solar energy system 1 approximately one to two hours later than is the case in FIG. 1 b. Through the rotational movement of the modular units 2, once again new rows of modular units 2 have formed. Thus, for example, the modular units 2 a and 2 d (together with additional modular units not represented here) now form a modular-unit row.

FIG. 1 d shows the solar energy system 1, after a certain period of time has again elapsed (late morning) in comparison to FIG. 1 c.

Now, for example, the modular units 2 e and 2 b lie in a modular-unit row. The modular units arranged immediately one behind another (e.g. modular unit 2 b and 2 a or 2 d and 2 c) once again lie sufficiently far from each other that a mutual shading is prevented.

FIG. 1 e shows the solar energy system 1 at noontime. In this position the modular units 2 of a row (e.g. R₁ or R₂) also form a modular-unit row. Thus, for example, the modular units 2 a and 2 c or 2 b and 2 c in each case now lie in a modular-unit row.

FIG. 1 f shows the solar energy system 1 already in the evening hours. In order to move from the arrangement in FIG. 1 a (morning sun) to the arrangement in FIG. 1 f (evening sun), a tracking of the modular units 2 of more than 200° was necessary. Between the arrangement in FIG. 1 e and the arrangement in FIG. 1 f is a half day. Within this half day, additional modular-unit row formations have obviously come about. In the case of the arrangement in FIG. 1 f, for example, the modular units 2 e and 2 b, as well as 2 a and 2 d, now form modular-unit rows.

The modular units of FIGS. 1 a to 1 f preferably display a length of 4.5 m and a width of 1.6 m.

FIG. 2 shows a solar module 3 from a modular unit 2. The solar module 3 is arranged at a certain angle of inclination. In the present case, this angle of inclination amounts to 38°. Resulting from the angle of inclination over the length L of the solar module is a corresponding height h starting from a level ground line Z. The length of the ground surface under the solar module 3 in the plan view is labeled as G. Resulting from the length L of the solar module and the angle of inclination is the so-called shading factor. This shading factor corresponds to the distance between two solar modules or modular units situated one behind another, which distance is to be maintained in order to just barely avoid a mutual shading. This shading factor is different depending on the region.

If, now, one wishes to determine the distance between two rows (e.g. row R₁ and row R₂ from FIGS. 1 a to 1 f), then height h of the solar module must be multiplied by the shading factor, and the result added to the ground length G. For example, if the height h is 1 m, the shading factor is 4 m, and the ground length G is 1.3 m, then the distance between two rows (e.g. R₁ and R₂) amounts to 5.3 m. At this distance it is ensured that the module-unit rows forming in the course of the day (not to be confused with the rows of points of rotation, e.g. R₁ and R₂) will not shade each other. 

1. Solar energy system (1) comprising a multiplicity of oblong-formed modular units (2) having, in each case, at least one solar module (3), wherein the individual modular units can track the course of the sun.
 2. Solar energy system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the modular units (2) are formed in a substantially rectangular manner.
 3. Solar energy system (1) according to one the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the modular units (2) have a ratio of width to length in the range of approximately 1:1.5 to 1:10, preferably approximately 1:2 to 1:5, and especially preferably approximately 1:3.
 4. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modular units (2) are arranged in at least two, preferably several, substantially parallel rows (R₁, R₂), in each case formed through a straight line on which the center points or centers of rotation (D) of the individual modular elements substantially lie, wherein the individual modular units of two neighboring rows are preferably arranged in a staggered manner, in particular in such a manner that the center points of two neighboring modular units of a row form a substantially equilateral triangle with a center point of a modular unit of a neighboring row.
 5. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of a modular unit (2) is shorter, preferably approximately 10% to 20% shorter, than the distance between the center points of two neighboring modular units (2) of a row.
 6. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the center points of two neighboring modular units (2) of a row (R₁) approximately corresponds to the distance between two neighboring rows (R₁, R₂).
 7. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual modular units (2) can track the sun in a substantially uniform manner and, for this purpose, are coupled to each other.
 8. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modular units (2) are positioned such that they include an angle of approximately 20° to approximately 80°, preferably of approximately 30° to approximately 45°, and especially preferably of approximately 35° to approximately 45°, with a horizontal.
 9. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an overall height of 2.5 m is not exceeded.
 10. Solar energy system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that neighboring solar modules (3) of a modular unit (2) are arranged at a distance from each other.
 11. Solar modular unit (2), characterized in that it is formed in an oblong manner and can track the sun.
 12. Solar modular unit (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that it is formed in a substantially rectangular manner.
 13. Solar modular unit (2) according to one of the claims 11 or 12, characterized in that it has a ratio of width to length in the range of approximately 1:1.5 to 1:10, preferably approximately 1:2 to 1:5, and especially preferably approximately 1:3.
 14. Method for arrangement of solar modular units (2), in particular solar modular units according to one of the claims 11-13, for installation of a solar energy system (1), in particular a solar energy system according to one of the claims 1-10, comprising to following process step: Positioning of the rotational axes of the individual modular units so as to form at least two substantially parallel rows, wherein the rotational axes of the modular units of two neighboring rows are arranged in a staggered manner such that two neighboring rotational axes of a row form a substantially equilateral triangle with an rotational axis of a nearest-lying modular unit of the other row, wherein the distances of the modular elements from each other are chosen such that a contacting of the modular units during rotation around the rotational axes is excluded, wherein the modular units are positioned such that they include an acute angle, preferably an angle of approximately 35°-42°, with a horizontal, wherein the spacing of the rows is chosen such that a mutual shading of the solar modules in the course of a day is substantially avoided, and wherein the individual modular units track the course of the sun in a substantially uniform manner. 